Category Archives: Event

Gender issues, Media event

Advocating Better Reportage of Women in Public Leadership

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By SDN

Women continue to play important roles in society and, despite persistent stereotypes, biases and emerging challenges in the digital age, many continue to break barriers and contribute meaningfully to leadership and national development.

Yet, despite their potential and contributions to nation-building, women remain insufficiently visible in the media, while their voices are often inadequately amplified. They are also less frequently recognised as decision-makers, authoritative news sources, experts and leaders whose perspectives should shape public discourse.

It was against this backdrop that the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development (EJS Center), in partnership with the International Press Centre (IPC), convened a reflection meeting of key media stakeholders on gender-sensitive reporting and media coverage of women in public leadership.

Held under the theme, “Reporting on Leaders: See Her, Hear Her, Cover Her,” the meeting provided an opportunity for media professionals and other stakeholders to reflect on how the Nigerian media report women, frame their leadership and amplify their voices as leaders and decision-makers. The conversation also focused on practical approaches to improving the representation of women in public leadership, particularly as Nigeria moves towards the 2027 general elections.

One reality stood out from the discussions: considering available electoral data and the current representation of women in political leadership at the national, state and local government levels, greater media visibility and more substantive coverage of women remain important.

According to Noella Ngunyam, Communications Lead at the EJS Center, the meeting was designed to enable participants to engage in a process of reflection and learning by examining existing media coverage and considering what more meaningful reporting of women in public leadership could look like. Challenging participants to interrogate some of the assumptions that shape public perceptions of women leaders, she asked:

“Why is a woman leader’s marriage, children or family life so often part of the story, while the same questions are rarely central to coverage of male leaders?”

She stressed the need to examine the assumptions and biases underlying how women leaders are perceived and portrayed.

For Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre, the challenge goes beyond simply increasing the visibility of women in public life. It also requires reframing how women are presented and recognised as leaders.

“On women’s leadership and participation, gender-sensitive journalism should translate into more rigorous, substantive and impactful reporting of political and electoral processes in paving the way for more women to get in,” he said.

He urged journalists to ensure that women are recognised not merely as subjects of media coverage but “as decision-makers, experts, agenda-setters and holders of power.”

Moderating the meeting, Kathleen Ndongmo, Head of Digital at News Central TV, facilitated discussions on how women public leaders are positioned, framed and recognised in media coverage.

Participants examined several dimensions of reporting, including the centrality given to women in stories, leadership in action, authority and expertise, structural context, language and tone, as well as digital amplification and associated risks.

Newsroom Realities and Women’s Visibility

Sharing experiences on newsroom realities, opportunities and challenges in covering women leaders, panellists identified factors that continue to affect women’s visibility and proposed ways of strengthening their representation in the media.

Toun Okewale Sonaiya, Founder/CEO of Women Radio 91.7FM, represented by Olufunmilayo Bamgbala, challenged journalists to demonstrate greater patience and understanding when engaging women in public leadership. She reflected on how traditional socialisation and stereotypes can shape women’s willingness to speak publicly and engage with the media.

According to her, many women grow up with the notion that they should “be seen, not heard”, which can subsequently affect their confidence and engagement in public life.

She stressed that women leaders also need to understand how the media operate and the processes involved in politics and public communication.

“If women can put down their egos and support each other, they would achieve greatly. As women, sometimes, we are not approachable. On the part of the media, patience and understanding are important. Women should connect with people at the grassroots,” she said.

Motunrayo Alaka, Executive Director of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, emphasised the importance of substantive reporting that examines the actual performance of women in leadership while also holding political institutions accountable. She called for media reportage to hold National Assembly accountable as Senators and House of Representatives members before spotlighting women.

“Being out there as a woman is your first responsibility. Media reportage should hold NASS accountable before spotlighting women. They should know their roles, speak about what they do and this will help the media,” she said. She also identified culture, religion and the different ways boys and girls are socialised as factors affecting women’s participation and visibility.

“We are dealing with issues beyond us. We look at structure and system. A woman should be in position and make a change to make room for other women and empower them,” she added.

Similarly, Anike-Ade Funke Treasure, a gender advocate, linked the relative silence of some women in public leadership to their backgrounds and socialisation, while urging journalists to be more intentional about reporting women.

“Some of these women are quiet; do they really want the noise around them? For the few elected, are we doing enough? Many of the women don’t know the importance of visibility. Journalists should help them to set up communication teams,” she said.

Technology, Online Abuse and Women’s Voices

The discussions also drew attention to a new layer of challenges confronting women in public life as political and public conversations increasingly migrate to digital platforms.

While digital spaces have expanded opportunities for women to exercise their communication rights, they have also exposed women to technology-facilitated gender-based violence, online abuse, harassment and other digital safety risks.

These emerging threats have implications not only for women in public leadership but also for journalists reporting on them in increasingly hostile and polarised digital environments.

A multi-perspective panel on women leaders in public spaces brought together voices from journalism, digital media, feminist media advocacy and women journalists to examine how women leaders are represented across online and offline platforms.

The conversation explored how media coverage could be strengthened to give greater prominence to women’s leadership, expertise, agency, performance and public record, rather than stereotypes or aspects of their personal lives that would ordinarily receive little attention in the coverage of male leaders.

Men as Allies

The meeting also recognised the importance of engaging men as advocates and allies in advancing more inclusive media coverage.

Participants reflected on the role male journalists, editors, media managers and other stakeholders can play in challenging newsroom practices and stereotypes that limit women’s visibility and in creating greater opportunities for women’s voices to be heard.

The meeting ultimately challenged media professionals to move from awareness to deliberate newsroom practice.

Stakeholders were encouraged to prioritise the visibility of women, deliberately seek out women as expert sources, and ensure that women in public leadership are reported not simply because they are women, but as leaders, experts, decision-makers and holders of public responsibility.

As Nigeria approaches another general election in 2027, the message from the reflection was clear: better representation of women in the media requires more than simply increasing the number of stories about women. It requires journalism that sees their leadership, hears their voices and covers their contributions with the same depth, scrutiny and seriousness accorded to other holders of public power.

Event

AKOD Leads Tree Planting Campaign in Ikeja, Pledges 1,000 Tress to Boost Green Environment

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The Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), led the 2026 Lagos State Tree Planting Day exercise in Ikeja, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability with a pledge to plant 1,000 trees across public spaces within the local government.

The event, held at the frontage of the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat, formed part of the statewide tree planting campaign organised by the Lagos State Government with the theme, “Trees for Lagos: Our City, Our Responsibility.”

Speaking on behalf of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, AKOD, delivering the Governor’s keynote address, called on Lagos residents to move beyond discussions on climate change and embrace practical environmental action through tree planting and conservation.

He stressed that Lagos was demonstrating its commitment by taking concrete steps to restore its green environment.

According to the Governor, rapid urbanisation has resulted in rising temperatures, flash floods and increasing environmental degradation, making tree planting one of the most effective and affordable nature-based solutions to climate change.

He explained that trees improve climate resilience by cooling urban areas, absorbing stormwater to reduce flooding and improving air quality, while also enhancing public health through cleaner air and healthier recreational spaces.

Sanwo-Olu noted that environmental sustainability requires collective action from governments, traditional institutions, community associations, schools, corporate organisations, faith-based bodies, markets and individual residents.

He disclosed that the state had set a target of planting 20,000 trees during the current planting season and revealed that 13,401 trees, representing 67 per cent of the target, had already been planted across Lagos as of June 30, 2026.

The Governor announced that the campaign would continue simultaneously across the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas throughout the rainy season until October to ensure higher survival rates and surpass the state’s planting target.

He, however, emphasised that planting trees alone was not enough.

“Planting is easy; nurturing is leadership. Every tree planted must be protected, watered and preserved to maturity,” he said, urging council chairmen to serve as custodians of trees within their respective jurisdictions in partnership with the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK).

The Governor also encouraged Lagos residents to obtain free seedlings from LASPARK nurseries in Ikorodu and Agege and plant trees in homes, schools, offices, estates and communities.

Following the address, AKOD led members of the Ikeja Local Government Executive Council, officials of the Nigeria Police Force, representatives of LASPARK, officials of the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, lawmakers and other stakeholders in planting 50 trees along the median stretching from the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat through the Police Station, the Directorate of State Services (DSS) office and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor.

Speaking after the exercise, the Chairman announced that Ikeja Local Government would go beyond the state’s campaign by planting 1,000 trees in strategic public spaces across the council area.

He said the initiative forms part of the environmental sustainability pillar of the I.K.E.J.A. Agenda, aimed at creating a cleaner, healthier and climate-resilient local government.

“Our responsibility does not end with planting these trees today. We will ensure they are nurtured to maturity because every surviving tree contributes to cleaner air, reduced heat, improved biodiversity and a healthier environment for our people,” AKOD said.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, described tree planting as a strategic investment in public health, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.

Wahab, who was represented by the Deputy Director (Geology), LASPARK, Mrs Idowu Tolulope commended LASPARK for sustaining the state’s afforestation programme and appreciated private sector organisations, development partners and volunteers whose support has continued to strengthen Lagos State’s environmental sustainability initiatives.

The commissioner also highlighted recent partnerships that produced eco-friendly playgrounds made from recycled materials for public primary schools, describing the projects as as practical examples of sustainable development and circular economy management.

The 2026 Tree Planting Day was observed simultaneously across all the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State as part of efforts to build a greener, cooler, cleaner and flood-resilient megacity.

Gender issues, Special report

Caleb University empowers students on telling Women’s untold stories, Gender-Supportive Reporting

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 By Temilade Deborah Olagunju

On a campus known for academic excellence and innovation, conversations recently shifted from routine lectures to a deeper focus on representation and voice. At Caleb University, students of Mass Communication gathered for a campaign aimed at reshaping how women’s stories are told — and who gets to tell them.

The Women Empowerment Campaign, themed “Breaking Barriers, Building Pathways: Storifying Women’s Impact,” trained students to report the economic contributions of women with context, depth and responsibility. The event featured distinguished speakers who shared professional experiences and encouraged students to become confident and responsible gender advocates.

Shifting the Narrative

Leading the discourse, Mrs Omowale Ogunrinde, Executive Director of Field of Skills and Dreams (FSD) Academy, highlighted the essential role women play in the economy and society. She urged women to reject limiting narratives and fully participate in nation-building. According to her, the issue is not whether women contribute to the economy — it is whether their contributions are adequately recognised.

Standing before the students, she challenged long-standing stereotypes that limit women’s participation in public life.

“A woman who works has a voice, brings something to the table and always has something credible to say,” she asserted.

Her message was clear: economic participation strengthens not only families, but national development. She urged young women to reject limiting narratives and embrace ambition without apology.

“There is no limit to what you can accomplish. Do not be ashamed of being smart.”

Ogunrinde, a social entrepreneur, trainer and mentor mentioned women like Senator Natasha Akpoti, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, Funke Opeke, Adela Olabamiji who had impacted the society. Illustrating the power and potential of women in leadership and entrepreneurship, she declared that there is nothing a woman cannot achieve as long as she has the right mindset. She also referenced Proverbs 31, encouraging women to embody strength, wisdom and diligence. To further inspire the students, she cited Napoleon’s words:

“The word impossible is only found in the dictionary,” emphasising that there is nothing impossible for a determined woman. She noted that ‘success as a function of mindset, resilience and courage.’

Thriving in Male-Dominated Spaces

Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Temitope Sulaiman, a seasoned journalist, Media Consultant and Women/teen advocate stressed that women and young girls must be resilient and focused in order to thrive in male-dominated professions. Sharing her personal and professional journey in the media industry, she spoke on how she survived and thrived in the newsroom, despite working in a largely male-dominated profession. She highlighted the challenges she faced and encouraged young women to remain determined, focused, confident and resilient in pursuing their careers.

Sulaiman, who was former Woman Editor at Niche Newspaper and presently of Allure, Vangaurd lamented that women are often celebrated only during special occasions such as Women’s Day and International Girl’s Day, stressing that women’s contribution should be recognised consistently and not occasionally.

She noted: “Women’s contributions should be recognised consistently, not occasionally.”

In addressing issues affecting women, she spoke passionately about poverty, limited opportunities, inequalities and lack of support systems especially for young girls. She emphasised the need for continuous advocacy and empowerment initiatives to improve the lives of women.

Her presentation served as a reminder that women must remain bold, persistent and vocal in demanding equal opportunities and recognition in all spheres of society.

Journalism as a tool for Social Meaning

For Dr Solomon Oyeleye, Deputy Dean, Student Affairs, the conversation extended beyond gender advocacy to the core philosophy of journalism itself. He described the course “Writing Women Empowerment Stories” as a unique course that is only offered at Caleb University, describing the students as privileged to be part of such initiatives that is positioning students as pioneers in a specialised field of reporting.

Journalism, he reminded them, is not simply about recounting events.

“Journalism is not just about reporting what happened; it is about giving meaning, context and relevance to social realities.”

He urged aspiring reporters to interrogate the economic dimensions of gender inequality — employment gaps, access to finance, entrepreneurship, inflation and resource distribution. According to him, when such realities are ignored, inequality risks becoming normalised.

Dr Oyeleye observed that although women contribute significantly to society, many of their efforts remain unnoticed and underreported. He stated that when the media fails to report these realities, it normalises inequality as culture and choice.

“When the media fail to report these realities, inequality becomes normalised as culture rather than recognised as a problem.”

His presentation encouraged students to become responsible communicators who use the media to promote fairness, viability and social change.

From Classroom to Newsroom

Addressing the participants, the Convener and Lecturer-in-Charge, Mrs Funmi Falobi, stated that the  campaign was anchored within the broader academic vision of Caleb’s Mass Communication Department. She explained that the course focuses deliberately on reporting women’s economic contributions, particularly those that remain underreported, and in the process advocating for improved representation of women voices in the media.

“Women contribute greatly to economic development of any society. And when we talk of women, it also includes women with disabilities who are thriving despite challenges. The media need to amplify the voices and economic contributions of women hence, the need to inculcate the culture early from the classroom to the newsroom,” Falobi said.

She stated that courses like ‘Writing Women Empowerment Stories’ are designed to give students a unique perspective on women’s contributions to society and to encourage ethical reporting. She emphasised the need for students to take full advantage of academic opportunities and to use their skills to challenge stereotypes, advocate for equality and promote gender-inclusive narratives, while also encouraging the students to be confident, resourceful and persistent noting that media and storytelling are powerful tools to amplify women’s voices and impact.

“The media need to amplify the voices and economic contributions of women — from the classroom to the newsroom.”

Her charge to students was both practical and ethical: challenge stereotypes, pursue inclusive narratives and recognise storytelling as a powerful instrument of social change.

Students Engagement and Impact

Bottom of Form

The campaign concluded with student group presentations showcasing stories on women’s impact across sectors of the economy, including the contributions of women with disabilities in economic development.

The presentations reflected research depth, creativity and a growing awareness of journalism’s responsibility in shaping public perception.

An interactive session followed, with students raising questions on career growth, workplace realities and professional development. The atmosphere was reflective yet energised — evidence that the campaign had struck a chord.

As conversations lingered beyond the formal programme, one message stood out in the event at Caleb: telling women’s stories is not an act of charity, but an act of responsibility.

Temilade Deborah Olagunju, a student of Caleb University, contributes this as a freelance writer for Social Development News

Photos: Famakinwa Oluwatunmise Precious

Gender issues, opinion & perspectives

Peculiarities of the Challenges Faced by Men and Boys in Africa: A Deep Look at Mental Well-Being

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>By Oluwaseun Ola-Daniels<

Across Africa, men and boys face unique mental health challenges that often go unspoken, misunderstood, or ignored. These challenges are not merely personal; they are structural and cultural, deeply rooted in social expectations surrounding strength, emotional control, and success. While mental health conditions affect people of all genders and ages, men and boys on the continent experience them in distinctive ways due to entrenched cultural norms, economic pressures, limited access to care, and persistent stigma.

A Widespread but Under-Recognised Crisis

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 150 million people in Africa are living with mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Despite this scale, access to mental health services remains severely limited, particularly outside major urban centres.

Suicide is another pressing concern. WHO data indicate that Africa’s age-standardised suicide rate stands at 11.5 per 100,000 people, with men accounting for a disproportionate share of these deaths. In many African countries, including Nigeria, men die by suicide at significantly higher rates than women. This pattern mirrors global trends but is intensified by region-specific social and economic pressures.

Cultural Expectations: “Be Strong” at All Costs

One of the most powerful influences on male mental health in Africa is the cultural expectation that men must be unshakeably strong and emotionally restrained. From an early age, boys are taught—directly and indirectly—that vulnerability equates to weakness. Phrases such as “boys don’t cry” and “man up” are commonly used to discourage emotional expression and help-seeking behaviour.

Psychologists and mental health advocates argue that this rigid cultural script pushes many boys and men to internalise stress, anxiety, and emotional pain rather than express it or seek support. Over time, this silent endurance often manifests in harmful ways, including depression, substance misuse, aggression, and, in extreme cases, suicide.

Nigeria: A Case Study of Young Men and Mental Strain

Nigeria presents a stark illustration of how these pressures intersect. Research has shown that 82.5 per cent of adolescent boys in a Nigerian correctional facility exhibited symptoms of psychiatric disorders, including disruptive behaviour, substance use, anxiety, and mood disorders.

Substance abuse among young Nigerians is particularly alarming. National surveys reveal that 14.4 per cent of people aged 15 to 64 report drug use—almost three times the global average. Anxiety disorders affect millions nationwide, and men are three to four times more likely than women to die by suicide.

Economic insecurity further compounds these challenges. High youth unemployment, financial instability, and the entrenched expectation that men must act as providers exacerbate feelings of hopelessness, shame, and depression among young men. These realities reveal how multiple pressures—emotional suppression, economic uncertainty, substance misuse, and interaction with the criminal justice system—converge to worsen mental health outcomes.

Societal Stigma and Limited Access to Help

Across Africa, particularly in rural areas, access to mental health services is grossly inadequate. Nigeria, for instance, has fewer than 0.1 psychiatrists per 100,000 people—a figure far below what is required for a population exceeding 200 million.

In many communities, mental health challenges are interpreted through spiritual or cultural frameworks, prompting families to seek help from traditional healers or religious leaders rather than trained mental health professionals. While such support may offer comfort, delays in professional intervention often worsen conditions. Combined with stigma, these barriers mean that many men only seek help when they are already in crisis, if they seek it at all.

Barriers Unique to Men: From Silence to Suicide

Experts consistently observe troubling patterns across the continent. Men are generally less likely to seek mental health support due to stigma and restrictive gender norms. In several African countries, male suicide rates far exceed those of women. In places such as South Africa, men are reported to die by suicide up to five times more often than women.

Young men face additional burdens from economic instability, unemployment, and social expectations of financial responsibility. Together, these factors create an environment in which men and boys suffer in silence—often with fatal consequences.

Conclusion: A Crisis That Demands Compassion

Mental health is not merely a personal concern; it is a societal responsibility. When boys and men are expected to suppress their pain, ignore emotional distress, and conform to rigid definitions of masculinity, the consequences are devastating. Lives are lost, families are broken, and communities are weakened.

Addressing this crisis requires compassion, listening, and systemic change. By challenging harmful norms, expanding access to mental health services, and creating spaces where emotional well-being is recognised as a fundamental part of human health, Africa can begin to heal a deeply rooted and dangerous silence.

Oluwaseun Ola-Daniels is Programme Manager, Mega Impact Foundation, Delta State.

Event, News brief

Caleb University Conference: Prof Rotimi Olatunji  highlights ACSPN’s role in advancing Communication and Media Capacity

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The National President of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), Professor Rotimi Olatunji, has reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s communication and media landscape through stronger collaboration among academia, industry, and government.

Speaking at the 2025 International Conference of Caleb University, themed “Smart Collaboration: Industry–Academic Partnership for Innovation, Technological and Industrial Advancement,” Olatunji emphasised that effective partnerships are key to building a knowledge-driven and innovation-oriented society.

Delivering a lecture titled “Enhancing Capacity Building in Communication and Media through Academic–Industry–Government Partnerships in Nigeria: A Triple Helix Approach,” the ACSPN President said Nigeria’s communication sector must embrace synergy to unlock its full potential.

“True innovation in media is not just about novelty but about creating value and impact through transformation,” he said.

Triple Helix Model as a Framework for Change

Drawing on the Triple Helix Model—which integrates universities, industries, and government agencies within a shared innovation ecosystem—Olatunji noted that such collaborations promote curriculum co-design, joint research, and experiential learning. He called for a shift from conventional classroom teaching to practical engagement, policy-oriented research, and technology-enabled storytelling. He urged the Federal Government to strengthen institutional frameworks for university–industry partnerships, while encouraging the private sector to invest in academic research and innovation.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by Dr Solomon Oyeleye, ACSPN’s General Secretary, further underscored Olatunji’s appeal for a more structured and sustainable approach to capacity building in communication and media education.

Highlighting ACSPN’s ongoing initiatives, Olatunji cited collaborations with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Dataphyte, the Ford Foundation, UNICEF, UNESCO, and the MacArthur Foundation. These partnerships, he said, have produced joint research projects, digital media training, innovation incubation programmes, and fellowships across Nigerian universities.

“Between November 2024 and now, ACSPN and CJID have trained nearly 100 scholars and professionals in mainstreaming AI into communication and media practice in Nigeria,” Olatunji revealed, describing the project as “a continuous one.”

It should be noted taht that since its inception, ACSPN has championed excellence in communication research and professional practice through initiatives such as the Empowerment Series, Eminent Persons’ Strategy Series, Value-Added Conferences, and Mentorship Programmes. These, Olatunji noted, have enhanced research productivity, professional competence, and youth engagement across the sector.

Pioneering Curriculum Reform

Olatunji also traced ACSPN’s pivotal role in the unbundling of the B.Sc. Mass Communication programme into eight distinct degree programmes—a landmark reform in Nigerian higher education.

According to him, the Association initiated the review process with support from UNICEF, organising the first stakeholder meeting at the University of Lagos with participants from the Nigerian Press Council, Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), among others.

Further progress, he recalled, was achieved through MacArthur Foundation grants managed by Professor Umaru Pate, which facilitated nationwide consultations culminating in the National Universities Commission’s adoption of the new communication degree structure.

Championing Media Literacy and Research

Through its partnerships with UNESCO and other development partners, ACSPN has also produced notable resources such as the UNESCO-supported brochure on combating fake news and promoting media and information literacy. These efforts, Olatunji said, highlight the Association’s leadership in evidence-based research, policy advocacy, and innovation in media and communication across Africa.

Despite these achievements, he acknowledged persistent challenges, including inadequate funding, weak research infrastructure, limited access to emerging technologies, and a continuing gap between academic output and industry needs.

Call for Policy Reforms and Technological Integration

In his concluding remarks, Olatunji called for robust policy reforms to position communication and media as strategic pillars of Nigeria’s national development. He also urged communication scholars and professionals to embrace continuous learning and to leverage emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and data-driven journalism to remain relevant in an evolving media landscape.

Participants at the conference commended Olatunji’s lecture for its intellectual depth and practical insights, describing it as a timely and visionary contribution to Nigeria’s pursuit of a knowledge-based, innovation-driven society.

Prof Olatunji, flanked by Dr Kayode Okuande, Dean, College of Communication and Media Studies and on the right by Dr Sunday Ogbonna, Acting Head, Department of  Mass Communication and Dr Solomon Oyeleye Acting Director, Centre for Parents Engagement and Alumni Relations, Caleb University
Prof Rotimi Olatunji surrounded by members of the College of Communication and Media Studies (COCOMS), Caleb University, after the conference

Event, Special report

2025 WDBC: Building Self Esteem in Boys

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By SDN

The world of the boy child is a peculiar one that must be given attention. This is so because neglect of the boy child is tantamount to creating a dysfunctional society where the untrained boy would become a threat to the trained girl, and society in general.

This, among others necessitates the call for concerted attention for the boy child and for which May 16 was initiated as the World Day of the Boy Child (WDBC) by Dr Jerome Teelucksingh of the University of West Indies, Trinidad & Tobago. The WDBC is also widely acknowledged as the International Boys Day, a day to celebrate the positivity of boys and proffer solutions to myriad of challenges being faced by boys and adolescent males globally.

The 2025 theme: “Building Self Esteem in Boys: Stand up, Be heard , Be seen,” is coming at the heels of neglect and vulnerability of boys in the society.

As part of activities commemorating the WDBC, Initiative for Social Impact and Sustainable Development (ISISD) joined the rest of the world to bring to the fore, issues affecting the boy child and providing solutions to some of the identified problems. ISISD in collaboration with Igbobi College Yaba Parents Teachers Association (ICY-PTA) organised capacity building programme for the students on the need to protect and enhance their self esteem.

According to Teelucksingh, the occasion gives the opportunity to put boys at the front burner and generate discussions into solving those issues for the boy child to fulfill potential in the society.

“Today, many boys are out of school serving as cheap labour at mines sites, factories as a result of poverty. In crisis situations, boys and adolescent males are used as children soldiers. Some of them suffer sexual abuse, depressed and suicidal. As a result of neglect, lack of positive male role model, many engage in social vices that are inimical to their mental, physical and psychological growth”, Teelucksingh noted.

According to the Principal, Igbobi College Yaba, Reverend Adedotun Akanbi, boys learn from what they see their fathers do at home and the same mentality is what they bring to the society.

“There is need for the boy child to learn virtues from home. The school system must also support boys educational and emotional needs. Boys must learn to respect the opposite gender. When boys learn values and leadership, I think they are ready,” he said.

In the same vein, ICY-PTA Chairman, Dr. Abiodun Makinde said character is important for the boy child to succeed in life and affect the society positively. “Children learn from home and it is what they learn from home that they bring to schools and society. Parents must strive to instil good characters in boys for them to succeed in life endeavours.’

Speaking on the theme, Educational Consultant, Mrs. Franca Okpiaifo said self esteem is a person’s self worth and the total value one places on self. She advised participants that it is important for them to know who they are which will help them in life journey.

“Self esteem defines your self confidence.
Stand up means knowing who you are. You don’t have to feel it, you know it without any doubt. When you stand up for something, you will be seen and heard,” she said.

She identified five things that would help participants to build their self esteem including “know who you are, define your purpose; have definite values; be the best version of you; do not be afraid of you (Your best version); do not allow other people, peers, social media to define you.”

In his address, Mr.Jide Sanwo, Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Revenue and also an alumnus of the college urged the boys to prioritise purposeful living over social vices.

He explained that boys must learn to live a purposeful life and be able to identify those better than them in a particular subject and learn from them.

“You must shun examination malpractices. When you cheat and get to the top you find it difficult to perform, you can’t stay up there if you don’t have good foundation.

“There’s nothing as good as putting your hope in God. Let’s shun social vices. Run away from cultism, drugs, cybercrime and the rest that won’t add any value to you,” he admonished.

Similarly, Evangelist Temilolu Okeowo also advised the boys to shun any immoral behaviour and make their studies a priority.

“You have no business in getting into romantic affairs in your teens. Shut your heads to those lewd lyrics, pornography. Your studies must be your priority now,” she warned.

ISISD Coordinator and WDBC Ambassador, Mrs. Funmi Falobi said boys and adolescent males face a lot of challenges world over and the need to address such for better society.

“As we commemorate the 2025 World Day of the Boy Child, governments, organisations, institutions, families and communities must come together and discuss ways to make life better for the boy child. Governments must come up with policies that would protect boys and adolescent males in order to achieve potential,” she advised.

She declared that the boy child must not be left behind but policy must be inclusive to cater for his physical, mental and psychological needs for a saner and peaceful society.

Commending the programme, one of the participants, Pelumi Adegboyega, an SS2 student said they learnt the importance of self esteem. “Without self esteem it is almost impossible to go far in life. If you’re not confident in yourself you find it difficult to progress and make decision.”

There was book presentation by Mr. Sanmi Falobi to the school. There was also film show to drive home the essence of self esteem for the boys.

WDBC (or International Boys Day) was inaugurated in 2018 by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh a University Lecturer in Trinidad and Tobego,
and in 2025 it was observed in 36 countries. WDBC serves as a platform for individuals, organisations, and institutions to improve the manner in which we protect our boys and reclaim our heritage.  

Event, Special report

As Prof. Amos Utuama, SAN, goes home

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By Babalola Falobi (Ph.D)
Warri, Delta State

“When beggars die, there are no comets seen; The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of Princes” – Williams Shakespeare (Julius Caesar).

The former Deputy Governor of Delta State, and a distinguished Alumnus of the University of Lagos, Prof. Amos Utuama SAN, has been laid to rest in his hometown, Otu-Jeremi, near Ughelli, in Delta State, in a “blaze of glory.”

The 2-day event commenced with a Service of Songs at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Otu-Jeremi on Tuesday, 29th April, 2025.

Dignitaries present at that occasion included the former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, under whom the late Prof Utuama served as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice for 8 years (1998-2007), after which he became Deputy Governor to Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan (2007-2015). The present Governor of Delta State, Elder. Sheriff Oborevwori, his wife, and a host of Commissioners and members of the Federal and State Legislatures were also in attendance. Senior members of the Bench and Bar, from all over the country, captains of industry, Traditional Rulers and High Chiefs, as well as several Unilag Alumni members, were also present.

The Church service was held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at the Warri Cathedral, after which his burial took place, privately, at his residence at Otu-Jeremi. The entertainment of dignitaries and guests took place at the Otu-Jeremi Primary School ground, at which the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Dennis Guwor, several Commissioners and Honourable members of the Legislature, members of the Bench and Bar, several Chiefs, as well as a full compliment of Unilag Alumni members from both the Warri and Asaba branches, were visible present.

The Immediate Past Chairman of the Warri Circle, Dr. Babalola Falobi, represented the National President (Worldwide), Engr. Ifeoluwa Oyedele, FAEng, while the new Chairman of Warri Circle, Deacon Tony Onakpoma, and the Chairman of Asaba Branch, Barr. Emmanuel Diei, and numerous Alumni members, were also present at the event. The Unilag Alumni Association was well represented and properly recognised at the event.

The late Prof. Amos Utuama died a few months ago, at the age of 77 years. May his soul rest in peace.